# La Roche-Posay PURE VITAMIN C12 SÉRUM for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [La Roche-Posay](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/la-roche-posay)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for dry skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate hydration for your dry or flaky skin due to the presence of glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which provide general skincare benefits.
- The inclusion of alcohol denat may be drying for your dry skin, and the formula lacks sufficient emollient ingredients for adequate hydration.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin): Caution (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))

## What reviewers say

Users consistently praise the serum for its ability to smooth skin texture and boost radiance, often noting it absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue. While many with sensitive skin find the formula gentle and effective for brightening, some users express frustration with the product oxidizing too quickly and the dropper design leading to wastage.

- Liked: Improves texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight feel (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle formula (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Oxidizes quickly (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Poor dropper (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Apply this serum PM, starting 3×/week and working up to daily use as your skin adjusts.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12 for dry skin?

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12 Serum may be drying for your dry skin because it contains alcohol denat and lacks sufficient softening ingredients for adequate hydration. A treatment for dry skin needs rich, soothing ingredients and protective barriers that lock in moisture and nourish the skin without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for dry skin?

This serum contains alcohol denat, which may dry out dry skin, and lacks enough rich, softening ingredients to keep it comfortable. A treatment for dry skin needs plenty of heavy, softening ingredients and soothing hydrators like ceramides, niacinamide, or peptides to deeply nourish and protect the skin barrier.

### What does Vitamin C do for dry skin?

Vitamin C helps dry skin by boosting moisture and keeping the surface smooth and soft. It may also improve skin hydration and support the outer protective barrier over time.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19159387/), [Experimental Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/)

### What does Glycerin do for dry skin?

Glycerin helps dry skin by drawing in moisture and keeping it locked in, which makes the skin feel much softer and smoother. It also supports your natural skin barrier to stop water from escaping easily. A product for dry skin needs extra ingredients like hyaluronic acid and soothing plant extracts to truly calm and hydrate dry patches.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after your cleanser and before your moisturizer to keep things simple and safe around sun exposure. A product of this type for dry skin needs rich, softening ingredients and plenty of hydrating ingredients to properly smooth and comfort the skin.

### Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You should use caution when combining this serum with retinol on dry skin, as the alcohol denat in the formula may be drying. Apply this serum in the morning or on alternating nights from your retinol, always following with a rich moisturizer containing heavy oils and butters to prevent further dryness.

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum may be drying for your dry skin, so use it carefully once a week to see how your skin tolerates it. A product of this type needs rich, moisturizing ingredients and softening oils to deeply hydrate dry skin.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on dry skin, though the alcohol in it may leave your skin feeling dry. A treatment for dry skin needs rich, softening ingredients and heavy moisturizers to lock in hydration and smooth flaky patches.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kravebeauty/great-barrier-relief/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$40.00 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/matrixyl-10-ha/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$14.40 at Amazon
- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-tone-brightening-capsule-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.49 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dear-klairs/supple-preparation-unscented-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$27.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$38.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-poremizing-fresh-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.09 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-poremizing-fresh-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.09 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$73.00 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DSGHH19Q?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Shoppers Drug Mart: CA$73.00 (https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/la-roche-posay-pure-vitamin-c12-face-serum/p/BB_3337875909235?variantCode=3337875909235)
Prices checked 30 Oct – 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Adenosine, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-roche-posay/pure-vitamin-c12-serum/for/dry-skin